The AEolian CompanyTHE PIANOLA (Themodist)By William Braid WhiteSent in By Robin Pratt

The foregoing pages have dealt with the fundamental principles of pneumatic piano playing mechanism and have explained the physical laws involved, together with their application to the subject under discussion.

I now proceed to a description of some leading mechanisms now on the market and in use.

It has of course been impossible within the limits of my space to make separate description of every extant player mechanism, and what follow is intended only to emphasize the individualities of the leading examples.

This part of the work is especially intended for the use of tuners and repairmen, as a guide to them in the work of regulating and repairing, and above all, as a sort of map whereby they may acquaint themselves with the ground they are traversing when they undertake to explore unfamiliar players.

It is impossible in a book like this to emphasize all the various claims put forth by manufacturers, and my intention in this part has been merely to afford the practical information, gained through personal contact with the mechanisms described, which may be desirable for the purposes indicated above.

The AEolian Company

THE PIANOLA

The mechanisms manufactured by this company and known as "pianolas," are for the exclusive use of the AEolian line of grand and upright pianos. In addition to these, the AEolian Company continues to manufacture a certain number of exterior playing mechanisms of the cabinet type, which are used considerably in foreign countries.

The mechanism produced by this company is made in their own factories and contains many original features which have given the Pianola fame. The name Pianola has become an almost generic term for player-piano, although it is the exclusive property of the AEolian Company. The Pianola is noted for its originality, its high class of workmanship and for its distinctly artistic character.

The interior Pianola mechanisms are of wide variety in constructional detail, although following the same general design. The entire ^Eolian line of grand and upright pianos is fitted with one or another style of these Pianola mechanisms, each especially adapted to its particular purpose. Description must therefore be somewhat general.

Bellows-System. The general Pianola design is of the indirect variation type with single equalizing unit, the expression and motor governors being usually carried on the inner action. Special folding pedals are used, and in the grand Pianola mechanism these fold up inside the lyre box, which also carries the exhaust units.

Pneumatic Action. Both the double and single valve systems have been largely used in Pianola practice. Older models were built with pneumatics and valves below the key-bed, but this method has been superseded for several years by the modern plan of placing me playing system in front of the piano action. In the grand mechanisms the pneumatic and valve system is housed beneath me key-bed.

Motor. The typical Pianola motor is of the Pneumatic 6-point type, having three double units. This arrangement was originated in Pianola practice and has been very successful. Older models will be found with three point motors. The gear shift and action cut off on these have always been of the direct mechanical type, lever manipulated. In recent practice a three-way control of the rewind lever has been adopted.

Governing Devices and Control. The expression control of the Pianola mechanism has ever been elaborate and ingenious. The most important feature is undoubtedly the Themodist. This consists of a by-pass arrangement in the double divided expression governor. The latter consists of two expression governors, one for the treble and one for the bass of the action. The Themodist arrangement cuts off the governor so that suction is through the action direct, thereby assuring high pressure operation of the pneumatics. When the Themodist switch is on, the perforations in the margin of the roll co-act with the Themodist tracker perforation and the in-rushing air operates a small pouch which works the Themodist valve. The suction passes through the governor when no perforations are co-acting, as it is switched that way as soon as the Themodist lever is thrown on. The action of the Themodist is to break this government of the suction temporarily, by cutting off the governor and instantly putting it in action again. Hence the perforations arc on either margin of the tracker and roll, as one governor cut-off is needed for each governor. The position of the governors differs in various models. The expression governors can also be operated by direct finger levers, and a recent development also gives control over them through a side-ways movement of a special type of tempo lever.

This page was last revised
March 2, 2013 by John A. Tuttle, who Assumes No
LiabilityFor The Accuracy or Validity of the Statements and/or Opinions
Expressed within the Pages of the Player-Care Domain. Cartoon Graphics by E7 Style Graphics (Eric Styles)

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